Indecent in the Eyes of the Law

There is power out there. He plugs in clippers and starts buzzing his hair. His companion holds open a plastic shopping bag to catch the trimmings.

In addition to power, the new plaza at Eager Park has jets that spray water straight up into the air. He has stripped down to shorts so he can walk through and get cleaned up once the three children who are playing there are done.

His companion does not have the luxury of removing her top. That would be indecent in the eyes of the law. Security guards and cameras abound and police heavy-patrol this oasis among waste-laid blocks of vacants.

She stands like a "brah" in sneakers and basketball shorts. A black t-shirt clings tight about her bosom. She solicits the help of another woman in the plaza to take her turn with the clippers. The three gather close to shield the spectacle from the curious eyes of passers by; gather close to be close to each other.

I buzzed my hair today too; standing alone, looking in the mirror, listening to some guys on a podcast ramble about the psychotic nature of pure stoicism.

I am familiar with desperation. I am less familiar with resignation and acceptance. I am not sure what I see in this trio. Looks like friends looking after each other, doing what they have to do to survive the oppressive heat of summer and whatever else.